Chesterfield Wrongful Death Lawyer

Chesterfield wrongful death attorneys understand that the pursuit of civil justice may not be the first thing on your mind in the wake of a loved one’s death. While we cannot help you pursue a criminal case against a liable party, we can help you financially recover from the devastation of an unexpected loss.

You can request a case evaluation from Morelli Law Firm’s personal injury lawyers so long as you’re qualified to represent the deceased’s legal interests. If you have the right to move a case forward, you can work with our Chesterfield personal injury lawyers to outline the financial impact of your loved one’s passing and demand that a liable party helps you manage that financial burden.

Discuss a Wrongful Death Claim With an Attorney

How do you overcome the grief of losing a loved one in time to take legal action on their behalf? In the best-case scenario, you reach out to an attorney who can initiate your entry into the legal world without infringing on the time and space you need to contend with your loss.

If you can meet with our Chesterfield wrongful death attorneys to discuss a loved one’s wrongful death, you can air several questions relevant to your possible case. These questions can include the following:

Can You Represent the Deceased in Civil Court?

Missouri only allows certain parties to file wrongful death claims after a loved one’s passing. That said, the statute that defines who may file a case, Mo. Rev. Stat. §537.080, is relatively generous. The deceased’s children, spouse, and parents have the first right to act on their behalf. These parties can file whether they’re blood-related or adopted, in the family’s case.

Should these parties opt not to pursue a legal claim, other parties can step up to man the case. The deceased’s nieces, nephews, and/or siblings may then assume responsibility for the legal effort made in their name. If none of these parties express an interest in a personal injury claim, then Missouri may elect a plaintiff ad litem to move the deceased’s case forward.

If you fall into any of these categories, there may come a point at which you can initiate legal action on behalf of the loved one you lost in a recent accident. Do note, though, that you should stay on top of any legal action that other parties further up in the chain of action intend to initiate. You can only initiate a single case on the deceased’s behalf. 

What Are Your Filing Deadlines?

According to Mo. Rev. Stat. § 537.100, you have no longer than three years to investigate the cause of your loved one’s fatal accident. The claim you want to bring forward must reach a judge before the third anniversary of your loved one’s passing, or else applicable courts may refuse to hear your argument.

When you’re contending with grief, that three-year period can seem unfairly short. The good news is that you don’t have to be the only party in control of your time management should you find yourself interested in a personal injury claim. You can request that an attorney spearhead your legal efforts, particularly when the pain of a loved one’s death is still fresh.

What Damages Can You Recover?

Should you move a wrongful death claim forward, you may argue for your right to a range of losses. Your case may entitle you to compensation for your own pain and suffering, emotional distress, and accident-related injuries. You may additionally have the right to request compensation for the physical suffering your loved one endured prior to their passing.

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 537.090 elaborates on the economic and non-economic damages you can request. However, the statute does not elaborate on the evidence you must bring forward to defend your claim to the aforementioned forms of compensation. You must back every request with hard data if you want that request to move forward.

You should also note that if your loved one died as a result of medical malpractice, the state puts a cap on your right to damages. Our team can elaborate on that cap’s influence over your possible compensation should the cap prove relevant to your case.

What to Expect From Missouri’s Wrongful Death Lawyers

No one should force you to contend with the complicated emotions behind a loved one’s passing before you’re ready. When you reach out to a wrongful death attorney in Chesterfield, you should subsequently find yourself working with someone knowledgeable but compassionate. 

If you work with an attorney who understands your need for space and who can investigate your loved one’s losses without triggering any negative responses from you, you can go into either a trial or negotiations with a steadier emotional foundation. Fortunately, you have the opportunity to get to know Chesterfield attorneys and their preferred approaches to wrongful death cases.

It’s always in your best interest to schedule a free case consultation with an attorney you’re interested in working with. Get to know your possible attorney, learn more about the legal process, and begin laying out your path to recovery. The attorney that’s best for you will make the process as straightforward and pain-free as possible.

Morelli Law Acts on Your Behalf in Wrongful Death Cases

Taking legal action in the wake of a loved one’s passing often feels impossible. A community becomes essential throughout your efforts to recover. Fortunately, Morelli Law Firm can become part of your supportive community. While you plan a loved one’s funeral and grieve your loss, our team can represent your best interests in an investigation into your loved one’s accident.

We can use the evidence of negligence we find to fight for your right to damages based on your and your loved one’s losses. You can learn more about our Chesterfield wrongful death lawyers’ services by requesting a case evaluation through our website today. You can also schedule your initial case consultation by calling Morelli Law Firm before your statute of limitations expires.